The first part of this grand river cruise of France focuses on Jazz-there'll be plenty of entertainment on board, from classic to gypsy jazz, and you'll have the chance to visit the famous Jazz Festival in Vienne.

Begin your adventure on the captivating Cote d'Azur, exploring this elegant area and relaxing along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. Travel to the Rhone River and Arles-famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes-the largest gothic fortress in the world. The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage are beautifully nestled among vineyards and you'll go on a guided walk of Tournon, a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. You'll be able to enjoy Vienne's very special atmosphere as it hosts its annual "Jazz à Vienne" festival in the heart of the town. Lyon, France's gastronomic capital, is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Transfer to the Seine River where you'll be joined by a WWII expert who will share his knowledge and expertise. This portion of the Grand France river cruise vacation, offers a choice of excursion opportunities, such as a visit to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery; a visit to delightful Les Andelys, Joan of Arc's Rouen, and the choice between a visit to Vincent van Gogh's Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine's Malmaison.

Enjoy music, wine, cheese, history and beautiful scenery, with stops in the most charming and historical parts of France, and end your adventure in Paris-one of the world's most romantic and vibrant cities! A guided walk acquaints you with historic Ile St. Louis with its narrow streets, and Ile de la Cite where medieval Paris was founded. Alternatively, you may to prefer to visit Les Invalides, dedicated to the liberation of the city. A perfect finale to this grand vacation!

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind-offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That's why we've used our 89 years to design a cruise experience that's just a bit different. Here are just some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships.

Alternative light lunch or (weather permitting) grill fare at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck

Daily four-course à la carte dinner in the main dining room

Alternative dinner of petite portions or regional specialties with wines, in the Panorama Bistro

Daily Afternoon Tea

Daily Night Fare

Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vessel

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.

Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

In the event that the TGV is unavailable due to strikes or technical reasons, the transfer from Paris to Dijon will be operated by motorcoach.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Cote d'Azur, France

Welcome to France! Located between the mountains and the deep-blue Mediterranean Sea, the Cote d'Azur is synonymous with prestige and beauty with its enchanting yachts, glamorous villas, and famous events. Time at leisure lets you get acquainted with this amazing place.

Day 2Cote d'Azur-Transfer to Arles (Embarkation)

This morning, enjoy free time to explore further or join an optional excursion. In the early afternoon, transfer by motorcoach to Arles in the Provence region, where you'll board your river cruise vessel. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception, then sail toward the mouth of the Rhone for a taste of the tranquil vistas of Camargue National Park (daylight permitting). (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3Arles

In Arles, capital of the Provence, join your LOCAL GUIDE for a tour of the city. See the church of St. Trophime, dating from the 12th century, and visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. Still used today, the amphitheater dates to the 1st century, and was constructed to hold over 20,000 spectators. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of the Provence and spent a very productive year in Arles. This evening, a jazz band comes on board to entertain you. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4Avignon

On your GUIDED TOUR, you may choose to join an included visit of the PALACE OF THE POPES, built in the 14th century as the sovereign popes' residence. With a living space equivalent to four gothic cathedrals, it is the largest gothic fortress in the world. Alternatively, you may opt for only city sightseeing and more free time to explore on your own, or to join an optional outing to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5Cruising-Viviers

A leisurely morning on board to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. After lunch, join your LOCAL GUIDE for a walk around the charming town of Viviers, which developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL. The OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6Tournon/Tain l'Hermitage-Vienne

The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhone River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Enjoy a GUIDED WALK of Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. A light Jazz Duo will play on board this afternoon, offering relaxing background music as you cruise to Vienne. Arriving in Vienne in the late afternoon, a GUIDED WALK shows you the charming little town surrounded by steep hills. Explore the town center to see the Roman Theater, which once held 13,000 spectators, and the Augustus and Livia Temple, built around 20 BC and converted into a church in the Middle Ages. Every year, for two weeks, the town hosts an international jazz festival with a very unique atmosphere: "Jazz à Vienne." There are four festival stages located in the very heart of the town and tonight enjoy free time to visit this lively Jazz Festival on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7Lyon

Lyon is France's third-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city's prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and much renaissance architecture delight visitors. You are joined by a LOCAL GUIDE as you survey the city from Fourvière Hill-with its splendid views over the city-and explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its maze of medieval alleyways and Place des Terreaux, a popular area with lively cafes, monuments, and the famous fountain often depicted on postcards. Be sure to sample Beaujolais, the wine of the region. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8Cruising-St. Jean de Losne

A leisurely day today as your final day on board. If you prefer to stay busy, a choice of optional excursions is available, including a visit to a wine cellar. While sailing to St. Jean de Losne, enjoy an onboard CHEESE TASTING. Tonight, enjoy the strains of Gypsy Jazz, a style of jazz often said to have been started by guitarist Jean "Django" Reinhardt in the 1930s. Because its origins are largely in France, it is often called by the French name "Jazz Manouche." (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, disembark and head by motorcoach to Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Cote d'Or area and Burgundy's wine capital. Although life here centers around wine, Beaune offers much more with its ramparts, medieval houses, cobblestone streets, and historical monuments. Visit the HÔTEL-DIEU charity hospital, built in 1443 and paid for by the chancellor of Burgundy after the Hundred Years' War left many of the town's population destitute. Today, it houses Van der Weyden's painting of "The Last Judgment" and is one of France's architectural highlights. After lunch, continue to Dijon and board the TGV train to Paris, the "City of Light," where your ship is docked on the River Seine. Meet your crew at a welcome reception; before dinner, your ship glides smoothly out of Paris. A WWII expert will join you for the duration of the cruise. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10Vernon-Les Andelys

This morning in Vernon, choose between a guided visit of Giverny and a visit to Bizy Castle. Claude Monet lived at GIVERNY for almost 43 years (1883-1926) and viewed his flower and water gardens as works of art-just like his paintings. See his collection of Japanese prints, his charming house, and his biggest sources of inspiration. Or, visit BIZY CASTLE, built in 1740 and nicknamed "Normandy's Versailles." It is known for its famous stables-inspired by those at Versailles-and its magnificent courtyard and water garden. Later, while your ship is sailing to Les Andelys, situated on a bend of the Seine and one of the most beautiful places in France, enjoy the ONBOARD LECTURE by our expert. This afternoon, join a Local Guide for a GUIDED WALK of Les Andelys, visiting the PARISH CHURCH OF LE PETIT ANDELY. Alternatively, you may wish to join your guide on a hike up to the ruins of imposing Chateau Gaillard, built by England's King Richard the Lionheart as a fortress in 1196. Constructed in only a year, it is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11Caudebec

Today, join a guided excursion along the "NORMANDY ABBEYS ROUTE," a short drive from Caudebec. More than 100 abbeys once covered this region, which has a microclimate particularly suited to the production of fruit, such as apples, pears, plums and cherries. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or to join an optional excursion to the pretty coastal town of Honfleur. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12Caudebec

Today, choose between an included full-day excursion to the historic NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES-with poignant sites, such as Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery-or a "TASTE OF NORMANDY" for a more in-depth look at this picturesque, mainly agricultural region. The most important products are dairy, apples, and grain. Camembert cheese is a specialty, as is CALVADOS, a strong apple brandy that you'll have the chance to taste at a local distillery. And for a touch of history, visit the famous BAYEUX TAPESTRY. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13Rouen

Rouen, the capital of Upper Normandy, is an important commercial city perhaps best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived, was imprisoned, and burned at the stake in the marketplace of this town in 1431. Enjoy the GUIDED WALK through the medieval quarter with its half-timbered, glazed-tile houses, and take your pictures of the Gros Horloge, an intricate astronomical clock dating back to the 16th century. Visit the splendid gothic CATHEDRAL, which was once the tallest building in the world and the subject of a series of Claude Monet's paintings or join the included WALKING TOUR focused on the French resistance, the daily life of the Rouennais during the occupation and the sites that were heavily bombed. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own after which, upon departure for Conflans, you are sure to be interested in our ONBOARD LECTURE. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 14Conflans

After breakfast, you may either join our included guided excursion to AUVERS-SUR-OISE, the quaint town where Vincent Van Gogh lived and died, or to Napoleon and Josephine's CHÂTEAU DE MALMAISON outside Paris. Requiring extensive renovations, this large country estate was purchased by Josephine Bonaparte in 1799 while Napoleon was fighting in Egypt. It was her aim to make it "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe, a model of good cultivation." (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 15Paris

Known as one of the world's most romantic and lively cities, Paris delights the senses. Join a GUIDED WALK through historic Ile St. Louis with its narrow one-way streets and Ile de la Cite, the center of Paris where the medieval city was founded and home to NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL. In your free time, stroll down the Champs-Elysees with its lavish cafes, or perhaps visit the world-famous Louvre or Montmartre with its gleaming white Sacre Coeur Basilica and bevy of artists on Place du Tertre. Or you can join the visit of LES INVALIDES dedicated to the liberation of the city: Museum of the Order of the Liberation. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 16Paris (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Call (516) 625-0300 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13762550

The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.10 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.

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